can i shoot it or am i limited to standard 9mm ammo?

I would not have any problem shooting +Ps' in any all steel S&W. I would replace the recoil spring with a new one on a regular basis, and if I were only going to only shoot +P I would go to a 1# or 2# heavier recoil spring.

I never had an issue with my 7 S&W 9mms, and we have issued +P 9mm for many years here.

I wouldn't mess with the recoil springs except to swap them out after about 3000 rounds through the gun.

Everything I have read points toward putting those heavier springs in , of course you don't have to but you would run into excessive wear on your firearm & for under 10 bucks that would be a huge mistake to wear out a gun prematurely over a cheap spring. Makes sense for a steady diet of +p if you think about.

About those heavier recoil springs......the factory engineers spent a lot of time & money figuring out the proper spring for the task. I'll also point out that while a heavier spring is reducing possible battering on the frame, it's also increasing the loading on the slide stop as the slide slams into battery. Also on those parts of the frame that support the slide stop.

I never saw the results of testing on S&Ws, but tests on 1911s, showed the force of the slide striking the frame is about 700 Gs. The force going into battery after stripping a round is about 750 Gs-a "G" being the force of gravity. All of that force is being stopped by the slide stop.

It's also increasing the probability of a malfunction should your grip on the pistol be less than really firm.

'Tis your pistol and your choice. BTW, the S&W website has owners manuals in PDF form you can read or download. Ammo requirements/restrictions are in there.

S&W has written on their site, any all Steel K/L N frame revolver with a model number (1957 and on) can safely shoot +P ammo. I have read that's true for any post WWII all steel revolver. It's obvious your revolver had a model number so it's safe to shoot +P ammo. (unless I'm mistaken which I doubt)

*EDIT*
I think I am mistaken. That statement from S&W might pertain to revolvers only and not semi-autos. Pay no attention to the revolver shooter in the corner!

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Here is the quote from page 11 of the factory Metal Frame Centerfire Pistols manual:

“Plus-P” (+P) ammunition generates pressures in excess of the
pressures associated with standard ammunition. Such pressures
may affect the wear characteristics or exceed the margin of safety.
Use of “Plus-P” ammunition may result in the need for more
frequent service.

“Plus-P-Plus” (+P+) ammunition must not be used in Smith &
Wesson firearms. This marking on the ammunition designates that
it exceeds established industry standards, but the designation
does not represent defined pressure limits and, therefore, such
ammunition may vary significantly as to the pressures generated
and could be DANGEROUS.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220